Cangrande, nicknamed Can Rabbioso ("Raging Dog") ruled Verona with iron fist, amassing rich treasures for his illegitimate sons and impoverishing the city. This caused internal strifes which led the suspicious Cangrande to surround himself with Brandenburg mercenaries. This did not prevent him being assassinated by his brother Cansignorio, who, with the help of the Carraresi of Padua, succeeded him.

Cangrande had a castle and a fortified bridge built in the town (see Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Bridge) in order to grant him a safe place and a safe escape route towards Germany in the event of revolt against him in the city.